Next to a dramatic standoff caught on tape. Federal rangers up against a rancher but he has people on his side over what the government believes that rancher owes. He's refusing to pay though. Who's right? ABC's Mike Boettcher now with the face-off. Reporter: It was getting ugly fast in Nevada. Get back! Get back now! Reporter: For 20 years, rancher cliven Bundy has refused to pay rent to herd his cattle on government land, $1.1 million in grazing fees. I have no contract with the United States government. Reporter: This week federal agents armed with tasers and dogs were determined to evict his cows, seizing hundreds. Anti-government groups and some armed militia members joined the fight, the confrontations turning rough. I just saw federal agents throw my aunt on the ground. Reporter: A powder keg about to explode. But today, the rent collector, the government, blinked. Bureau of land management in a written statement saying, we have made the decision to conclude the cattle gather because of our serious concern about the safety of employees, Bundy and members of the public. Protestors loudly argued this was a clear-cut issue of government overreach. Washington intruding on rural America. It's about the freedom of America. We the people. Reporter: Late today the government released rancher Bundy's cattle, packed up and left to cheers and jeers, a tense situation diffused for now. Mike Boettcher, ABC news, Houston.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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